US20150036488A1 - Dynamic grouping and configuration of access points - Google Patents
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- US20150036488A1 US20150036488A1 US13/954,816 US201313954816A US2015036488A1 US 20150036488 A1 US20150036488 A1 US 20150036488A1 US 201313954816 A US201313954816 A US 201313954816A US 2015036488 A1 US2015036488 A1 US 2015036488A1
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L41/00—Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
- H04L41/08—Configuration management of networks or network elements
- H04L41/0893—Assignment of logical groups to network elements
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W28/00—Network traffic management; Network resource management
- H04W28/02—Traffic management, e.g. flow control or congestion control
- H04W28/0289—Congestion control
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
- G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
- G06F9/46—Multiprogramming arrangements
- G06F9/50—Allocation of resources, e.g. of the central processing unit [CPU]
- G06F9/5061—Partitioning or combining of resources
- G06F9/5072—Grid computing
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L41/00—Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
- H04L41/08—Configuration management of networks or network elements
- H04L41/0803—Configuration setting
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
- H04L67/34—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications involving the movement of software or configuration parameters
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W28/00—Network traffic management; Network resource management
- H04W28/02—Traffic management, e.g. flow control or congestion control
- H04W28/0284—Traffic management, e.g. flow control or congestion control detecting congestion or overload during communication
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
- H04W4/60—Subscription-based services using application servers or record carriers, e.g. SIM application toolkits
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L41/00—Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
- H04L41/50—Network service management, e.g. ensuring proper service fulfilment according to agreements
- H04L41/5003—Managing SLA; Interaction between SLA and QoS
- H04L41/5009—Determining service level performance parameters or violations of service level contracts, e.g. violations of agreed response time or mean time between failures [MTBF]
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L41/00—Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
- H04L41/50—Network service management, e.g. ensuring proper service fulfilment according to agreements
- H04L41/508—Network service management, e.g. ensuring proper service fulfilment according to agreements based on type of value added network service under agreement
- H04L41/5096—Network service management, e.g. ensuring proper service fulfilment according to agreements based on type of value added network service under agreement wherein the managed service relates to distributed or central networked applications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L43/00—Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
- H04L43/08—Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters
- H04L43/0876—Network utilisation, e.g. volume of load or congestion level
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- H—ELECTRICITY
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- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
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Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to dynamically moving access points between an enterprise network of a first customer to an enterprise network of a second customer based on detected environmental and/or operational parameters of access points in each network.
- wireless client devices Over the last decade, there has been a substantial increase in the use and deployment of wireless client devices, from dual-mode smartphones to tablets capable of operating in accordance with a particular Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard. With “wireless” becoming the de-facto medium for connectivity among users, it has become increasingly important for network systems to intelligently manage connections.
- IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- multiple wireless networks may be deployed to handle clients and customers in various areas.
- Each of these wireless networks may include one or more access points that establish data connections with nearby client devices.
- one network may become over-utilized or incapable of meeting standards or general needs of associated client devices.
- a neighboring wireless network may be under-utilized such that this network is able to easily meet the standards and needs of associated client devices.
- FIG. 1 shows a block diagram example of a network system in accordance with one or more embodiments
- FIG. 2 shows a block diagram example of an access point in accordance with one or more embodiments
- FIG. 3 shows a network system after an access point from a second network has joined a first network in accordance with one or more embodiments
- FIGS. 4 and 5 show methods for dynamically grouping and configuring access points between neighboring wireless networks in accordance with one or more embodiments.
- digital device generally refers to any hardware device that includes processing circuitry running at least one process adapted to control the flow of traffic into the device.
- digital devices include a computer, a tablet, a laptop, a desktop, a netbook, a server, a web server, authentication server, an authentication-authorization-accounting (AAA) server, a Domain Name System (DNS) server, a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, an Internet Protocol (IP) server, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) server, a network policy server, a mainframe, a television, a content receiver, a set-top box, a video gaming console, a television peripheral, a printer, a mobile handset, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant “PDA”, a wireless receiver and/or transmitter, an access point, a base station, a communication management device, a router, a switch, and/or a controller.
- AAA authentication-authorization-accounting
- DNS Domain Name System
- DHCP
- a digital device may include hardware logic such as one or more of the following: (i) processing circuitry; (ii) one or more communication interfaces such as a radio (e.g., component that handles the wireless data transmission/reception) and/or a physical connector to support wired connectivity; and/or (iii) a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a programmable circuit; a semiconductor memory such as a volatile memory and/or random access memory “RAM,” or non-volatile memory such as read-only memory, power-backed RAM, flash memory, phase-change memory or the like; a hard disk drive; an optical disc drive; etc.) or any connector for receiving a portable memory device such as a Universal Serial Bus “USB” flash drive, portable hard disk drive, or the like.
- a radio e.g., component that handles the wireless data transmission/reception
- a physical connector to support wired connectivity
- a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium e.g., a programm
- logic may include a processor (e.g., a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a CPU core, a programmable gate array, an application specific integrated circuit, etc.), semiconductor memory, combinatorial logic, or the like.
- logic may be one or more software modules, such as executable code in the form of an executable application, an application programming interface (API), a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method/implementation, an applet, a servlet, a routine, source code, object code, a shared library/dynamic load library, or one or more instructions.
- API application programming interface
- These software modules may be stored in any type of a suitable non-transitory storage medium, or transitory computer-readable transmission medium (e.g., electrical, optical, acoustical or other form of propagated signals such as carrier waves, infrared signals, or digital signals).
- a suitable non-transitory storage medium or transitory computer-readable transmission medium (e.g., electrical, optical, acoustical or other form of propagated signals such as carrier waves, infrared signals, or digital signals).
- FIG. 1 shows a block diagram example of a network system 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments.
- the network system 100 is a digital system that may include a plurality of digital devices such as one or more access points 101 that form the wireless network 109 , one or more access points 103 that form the wireless network 111 , and a cloud configuration server 107 that communicates with the access points 102 and 103 through an external network 105 .
- the client devices 113 may be connected or associated with the wireless networks 109 and 111 through corresponding wireless connections with access points 101 and 103 , respectively.
- Each element of the network system 100 will be described below by way of example.
- the network system 100 may include more or less devices than the devices illustrated in FIG. 1 , which may be connected to other devices within the network system 100 via wired and/or wireless mediums.
- the network system 100 may include additional wireless networks separate from the wireless networks 109 and 111 .
- the access points 101 and 103 may be any device that can associate with the client devices 113 to transmit and receive data over wireless channels.
- the access points 101 and 103 may correspond to a network device such as a wireless access point, a switch, a router, or any combination thereof.
- the access points 101 and 103 may form a mesh network structure.
- the wireless networks 109 and 111 are separate mesh networks and the access points 101 and 103 are mesh nodes within these respective mesh networks 109 and 111 .
- each mesh node e.g., the access points 101 and 103
- the access points 101 and 103 may forward and receive data to/from the client devices 113 and to/from other access points 101 and 103 in their corresponding wireless networks 109 and 111 .
- the access points 101 and 103 act as relays for other access points 101 and 103 in their respective wireless networks 109 and 111 .
- Each wireless network 109 and 111 may reside in a separate domain with a discrete service set identifier (SSID) that is broadcast or otherwise advertised to the client devices 113 .
- SSID discrete service set identifier
- an access point 101 and/or 103 may advertise multiple SSIDs corresponding to both wireless networks 109 and 111 .
- the access points 101 and 103 form wireless networks 109 and 111 .
- Each of these wireless networks 109 and 111 serve associated customers over a prescribed physical area.
- the wireless networks 109 and 111 may be located in neighboring stores in a mall.
- the customers may be organizations (e.g., business or scholastic institutions) or individuals that are separately billed for network services.
- customers may require the networks 109 and 111 meet particular performance standards and/or threshold requirements.
- these standards and/or thresholds may be dictated by service level agreements.
- the service level agreements may indicate assured threshold performance requirements to customers of the wireless networks 109 and 111 .
- the service level agreements may include one or more of (1) client device 113 count on each access point 101 and/or 103 in an associated wireless network 109 and/or 111 to not exceed a predetermined count level and (2) traffic on each access point 101 and/or 103 in an associated wireless network 109 and/or 111 to not exceed a predetermined traffic level.
- the cloud configuration server 107 or another digital device that maintains a connection between the wireless networks 109 and 111 may be tasked with ensuring that these service level agreements are met by each wireless network 109 and 111 by reconfiguring how access points 101 and 103 are arranged between the networks 109 and 111 .
- the access points 101 and 103 may be communicatively coupled to other networks in network system 100 .
- the access points 101 and 103 may be coupled to the external network 105 such that communications may be established with the cloud configuration server 107 .
- the external network 105 may be any network capable of transferring data between the access points 101 and 103 and the cloud configuration server 107 .
- the external network 105 may include one or more wired or wireless routers, switches, and other digital networking devices that operate using one or more protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.3 and IEEE 802.11).
- the access points 101 and 103 may detect environmental and/or operational characteristics, parameters, or values related to the access points 101 and 103 .
- the access points 101 and 103 may each detect (1) the number of client devices 113 connected to each access point 101 and 103 , (2) the traffic on each access point 101 and 103 , (3) the signal strength of client devices 113 connected to each access point 101 and 103 , (4) radio frequency characteristics of the environment surrounding each access point 101 and 103 (e.g., radio frequency interference may be detected in the immediate area surrounding the access point 101 B as a result of a proximate microwave oven), and (5) a listing of neighboring access points 101 and 103 in another network 109 and 111 (e.g., the access point 103 A may be detected to be visible/in-range in relation to the access point 101 A as shown in FIG. 1 by the dashed line).
- radio frequency characteristics of the environment surrounding each access point 101 and 103 e.g., radio frequency interference may be detected in the immediate area surrounding the access point 101 B as a
- the access points 101 and 103 may transmit detected environmental and/or operational parameters to the cloud configuration server 107 over the external network 105 .
- an access point 101 and 103 may be designated as a master access point in each wireless network 109 and 111 .
- the access point 101 A may be designated as the master access point and maintains a connection with the cloud configuration server 107 through the external network 105 .
- the access point 103 B may be designated as the master access point and maintains a connection with the cloud configuration server 107 through the external network 105 .
- Master access points may collect detected parameters from each other access point 101 and 103 in an associated network 109 and 111 . The master access points may thereafter transfer these collective parameters to the cloud configuration server 107 over the external network 105 .
- the access points 101 and 103 may be digital network devices.
- FIG. 2 shows a component diagram of the access point 101 A according to one embodiment.
- the access points 101 B - 101 D and 103 A - 103 C may include similar or identical components to those shown and described in relation to the access point 101 A .
- the access point 101 A may comprise one or more of: a hardware processor 201 , data storage 203 , an input/output (I/O) interface 205 , and device configuration logic 207 . Each of these components of the access point 101 A will be described in further detail below.
- the data storage 203 of the access point 101 A may include a fast read-write memory for storing programs and data during operations and a hierarchy of persistent memory, such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM,) and/or Flash memory for example, for storing instructions and data needed for the startup and/or operation of the access point 101 A .
- the data storage 203 is a distributed set of data storage components.
- the data storage 203 may store data that is to be transmitted from the access point 101 A or data that is received by the access point 101 A .
- the access point 101 A may store data to be forwarded to a client device 113 or to one or more of the access points 101 B - 101 D .
- the data storage 203 may store environmental and/or operational parameters detected by the access point 101 A and/or parameters collected from the other access points 101 B - 101 D in the wireless network 109 . These environmental and operational parameters may be stored within the data storage 203 before being analyzed or being forwarded to the cloud configuration server 107 .
- the I/O interface 205 corresponds to one or more components used for communicating with other devices (e.g., the client devices 113 and/or other access points 101 B - 101 D within the network 109 ) via wired or wireless signals.
- the I/O interface 205 may include a wired network interface such as an IEEE 802.3 Ethernet interface and/or a wireless interface such as an IEEE 802.11 WiFi interface.
- the I/O interface 205 may communicate with the client devices 113 and the access points 101 B - 101 D over corresponding wireless channels in the system 100 .
- the I/O interface 205 facilitates communications between the access point 101 A and the access points 101 B - 101 D such that the access points 101 A - 101 D may form a mesh network structure as described above.
- the wireless network 109 is a mesh network and the access points 101 A - 101 D are mesh nodes within this mesh network 109 .
- the I/O interface 205 may include one or more antennas 209 for communicating with the client devices 113 , the access points 101 B - 101 D , and/or other wireless devices in the network system 100 .
- multiple antennas 209 may be used for forming transmission beams to one or more of the client devices 113 or the access points 101 B - 101 D through adjustment of gain and phase values for corresponding antenna 209 transmissions.
- the generated beams may avoid objects and create an unobstructed path to the client devices 113 and/or the access points 101 B - 101 D .
- the I/O interface 205 in conjunction with the antennas 209 may detect wireless signals emitted by the access points 103 in the wireless network 111 .
- the access point 101 A may not associate or maintain a connection with any of the access points 103 A - 103 C in wireless network 111 , but the access point 101 A is able to detect the presence of proximate/neighboring access points 103 , including signal strength characteristics.
- the dashed line indicates that the access point 103 B is visible to and/or in-range of the access point 101 A although these access points 101 A and 103 B may not share a data connection.
- the hardware processor 201 is coupled to the data storage 203 and the I/O interface 205 .
- the hardware processor 201 may be any processing device including, but not limited to a MIPS/ARM-class processor, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a microcontroller, a state machine, or any type of programmable logic array.
- the device configuration logic 207 includes one or more functional units implemented using firmware, hardware, software, or a combination thereof for configuring parameters associated with the access point 101 A .
- the device configuration logic 207 may be configured to allow the access point 101 A to join and change between networks 109 and 111 .
- the access point 101 A is an instant access point (IAP). As an IAP, the access point 101 A does not rely on a centralized external controller for performing security and authentication operations for communications between the client devices 113 , the other access points 101 B - 101 D within the wireless network 109 , and/or the cloud configuration server 107 .
- IAP instant access point
- access points 101 B - 101 D and 103 A - 103 C may be similarly configured as described above in relation to access point 101 A .
- access points 101 B - 101 D and 103 A - 103 C may comprise hardware processor 201 , data storage 203 , an input/output (I/O) interface 205 , and device configuration logic 207 in a similar fashion as described above in relation to the access point 101 A .
- I/O input/output
- the client devices 113 may be any wireless or wired electronic devices capable of receiving and transmitting data over wired and wireless mediums.
- the client devices 113 may be one or more of personal computers, laptop computers, netbook computers, wireless music players, portable telephone communication devices, smart phones, tablets, and digital televisions.
- the client devices 113 are digital devices that include a hardware processor, memory hierarchy, and input/output (I/O) interfaces including a wired and/or wireless interface such as an IEEE 802.3 interface.
- I/O input/output
- the configuration of the components within the client devices 113 may be similar to those discussed above in relation to the access point 101 A .
- the cloud configuration server 107 may be any wireless or wired electronic devices capable of receiving and transmitting data over wired and wireless mediums.
- the cloud configuration server 107 may be a personal computer, a laptop computer, a netbook computer, or any other computing device.
- the cloud configuration server 107 is a digital device that includes a hardware processor, memory hierarchy, and input/output (I/O) interfaces including a wired and/or wireless interface such as an IEEE 802.3 interface.
- the configuration of the components within the cloud configuration server 107 may be similar to those discussed above in relation to the access point 101 A .
- the cloud configuration server 107 may receive and store environmental and operational parameters received from one or more of the access points 101 A - 101 D and 103 A - 103 C along with standards and threshold requirements for each wireless network 109 and 111 . These standards and threshold requirements may be defined in a set of service level agreements stored on the cloud configuration server 107 . In some embodiments, the cloud configuration server 107 may also store network configuration information for each network 109 and 111 . This network configuration information may be passed to one or more access points 101 and 103 such that the access points 101 and 103 may join/associate with a corresponding wireless network 109 and 111 .
- FIG. 4 shows a method 400 for dynamically grouping and configuring access points 101 and 103 between the wireless networks 109 and 111 based on detected environmental and/or operational parameters.
- the method 400 may be performed by one or more devices in network system 100 .
- the method 400 may be performed by the cloud configuration server 107 in conjunction with one or more of the access points 101 and 103 .
- the method 400 may begin at operation 401 with one or more access points 101 and 103 detecting environmental and/or operational characteristics, parameters, or values related to the access points 101 and 103 .
- the access points 101 and 103 may each detect (1) the number of client devices 113 each access point 101 and 103 is connected to or associated with, (2) the amount of traffic on each access point 101 and 103 , (3) the signal strength of the client devices 113 connected to or associated with each access point 101 and 103 , (4) radio frequency characteristics of the environment surrounding each access point 101 and 103 (e.g., radio frequency interference may be detected in the immediate area surrounding the access point 101 B as a result of a proximate microwave oven), and (5) a listing of neighboring access points 101 and 103 in another network 109 and 111 (e.g., the access point 103 3 may be detected to be visible/in-range in relation to the access point 101 A ).
- radio frequency characteristics of the environment surrounding each access point 101 and 103 e.g., radio frequency interference may be detected in the immediate
- the access point 101 A may determine that two client devices 113 are connected to it, the traffic on the access point 101 A is 20 Mbps, the signal strength of each client device 113 connected to the access point 101 A is 10 dBm and 20 dBm, respectively, there is high distortion in the 2.4 Ghz band surrounding the access point 101 A , and the access point 103 A is proximate to the access point 101 A .
- Each access point 101 and 103 may detect similar parameters at operation 401 based on their own environmental and/or operational characteristics.
- operation 403 transmits these detected parameters to the cloud configuration server 107 .
- the transmission may be performed over external network 105 using any known set of transmission protocols or standards (e.g., IEEE 802.3 and IEEE 802.11).
- a master access point may be designated or elected in each network 109 and 111 .
- the access point 101 A may be designated as the master access point and maintains a connection with the cloud configuration server 107 through the external network 105 .
- the access point 103 B may be designated as the master access point and maintains a connection with the cloud configuration server 107 through the external network 105 .
- each access point 101 B - 101 D , 103 A , and 103 C transmits parameters detected at operation 401 to the master access points 101 A and 103 B , respectively.
- These master access points 101 A and 103 B may transmit the collected parameters from each of the access points 101 and 103 in their respective networks 109 and 111 to the cloud configuration server 107 at operation 403 .
- the environmental and/or operational parameters are received by the cloud configuration server 107 .
- the cloud configuration server 107 may thereafter process the received parameters as will be described in further detail below.
- an access point 101 within the network 109 may analyze the parameters and trigger an access point 103 in the network 111 to join the network 109 without assistance from a device external to the networks 109 and 111 . This configuration will be discussed in further detail in relation to FIG. 5 .
- the received parameters are analyzed to determine whether one or more standard and/or threshold requirements for the wireless networks 109 and 111 have not been met.
- these standards and/or threshold requirements may be dictated by service level agreements between customers and operators of the networks 109 and 111 .
- a threshold requirement for the wireless network 109 may be that each access point 101 not exceed a traffic limit of 15 Mbps.
- 20 Mbps traffic was detected on the access point 101 A . Accordingly, in this example the threshold requirement for traffic not exceeding 15 Mbps on each access point 101 in wireless network 109 has been violated and operation 407 would detect a failure to meet the threshold requirement.
- the threshold requirements for the network 109 are determined relative to a schedule with a designated time.
- a threshold requirement for the network 109 may indicate that a particular amount of client devices 113 and/or a particular amount of traffic is needed at a designated time.
- the cloud configuration server 107 may determine whether the current set of access points 101 in the network 109 can meet this scheduled threshold requirement at operation 407 .
- operation 409 attempts to identify an access point 103 in the wireless network 111 that may be moved over to wireless network 109 such that the violated threshold requirement of the network 109 is now met.
- the identified access point 103 must have the capacity and positioning to handle the needs of the wireless network 109 such that any violated threshold requirements are now met.
- an identified access point 103 must be proximate to the wireless network 109 and/or one or more overloaded access points 101 such that the identified access point 103 may effectively associate with client devices 113 in the area of the wireless network 109 .
- the networks 109 and 111 serve separate areas, the close proximity between the networks 109 and 111 may allow one or more of the access points 103 in the network 111 to provide service to client devices 113 in the area of the network 109 .
- the positioning of the access points 103 relative to the access points 101 may be determined based on detected parameters received from the access points 101 and 103 at operation 401 . For example, a listing of neighboring access points 103 in the network 111 may be detected by each access point 101 at operation 401 .
- operation 409 is performed such that wireless network 111 does not fail to meet any of its own threshold requirements. For example, removing the access point 103 A from network 111 and moving it to the network 109 may allow the network 109 meet each of its threshold requirements; however, this adjustment may result in the network 111 failing one or more of its own threshold requirements. Accordingly, operation 409 must identify and access point 103 for movement to the network 109 that will not cause the network 111 to fail to meet its own threshold requirements.
- multiple access points 103 may be identified to move to the network 109 .
- the multiple identified access points 103 may collectively allow the network 109 to meet each of its threshold requirements.
- operation 409 may identify the access point 103 A to join the network 109 .
- the cloud configuration server 107 may determine based on environmental and/or operational parameters received at operation 405 , that the access point 103 A is properly positioned to alleviate congestion or other issues with the network 109 such that the network 109 may meet each of its threshold requirements without causing the network 111 to violate any of its own threshold requirements.
- the access point 103 A will be used hereinafter as the identified access point that will move from the network 109 to the network 111 . However, in other embodiments another access point 103 may be selected to move from the network 109 to the network 111 .
- the cloud configuration server 107 triggers the identified access point 103 A to join the network 109 as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the cloud configuration server 107 may store configuration data for both the wireless network 109 and the wireless network 111 .
- the configuration data allows access points 101 and 103 to join each network 109 and 111 , respectively.
- the cloud configuration server 107 triggers the identified access point 103 A in the wireless network 111 to join the wireless network 109 by transmitting a request to the identified access point 103 A along with corresponding configuration information for the network 109 .
- the request and the configuration information are routed through master access point 103 B in the network 111 .
- the identified access point 103 A may break from the network 111 and beacon for the master access point 101 A in the network 109 .
- the identified access point 103 A may modify at least a portion of its own configuration using the received configuration information and thereafter join the network 109 .
- the identified access point 103 A will (1) advertise the same SSID, (2) be part of the same IP subnet, and/or (3) point to the same virtual local area network (VLAN) as the access points 101 A - 101 D .
- VLAN virtual local area network
- the identified access point 103 A may simultaneously be connected to both the networks 109 and 111 .
- the identified access point 103 A may join the network 109 while maintaining a connection with the network 111 .
- the identified access point 103 A simultaneously advertises SSIDs for both the networks 109 and 111 .
- the identified access point 103 A may remain in the network 109 until the cloud configuration server 107 determines that the identified access point 103 A is no longer needed to meet each of the network 109 's threshold requirements at operation 413 .
- the access points 101 A - 101 D and 103 A may be in network 109 .
- the access point 103 A was identified at operation 409 and triggered to move from the network 111 to the network 109 at operation 411 such that the network 109 may meet each of its threshold requirements.
- the cloud configuration server 107 may determine at operation 413 that the identified access point 103 A is no longer needed in the network 109 for the network 109 to meet each of its threshold requirements. This may be caused in a drop in client devices 113 associated with the network 109 or other similar factors. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the cloud configuration server 107 may determine at operation 413 that the access point 103 A is needed in the network 111 such that the network 111 can meet its own threshold requirements.
- the cloud configuration server may trigger the access point 103 A to rejoin the network 111 at operation 415 .
- the cloud configuration server 107 may store configuration data for both the wireless network 109 and the wireless network 111 .
- the cloud configuration server 107 triggers the identified access point 103 A in the wireless network 109 to rejoin the wireless network 111 by transmitting a request to the identified access point 103 A along with corresponding configuration information for the network 111 .
- the request and the configuration information are routed through master access point 101 A in the network 109 .
- the identified access point 103 A may break from the network 109 and beacon for the master access point 103 B in the network 111 .
- the identified access point 103 A may modify at least a portion of its own configuration using the received configuration information and thereafter rejoin the network 111 .
- the identified access point 103 A will (1) advertise the same SSID, (2) be part of the same IP subnet, and/or (3) point to the same virtual local area network (VLAN) as the access points 103 B and 103 C .
- VLAN virtual local area network
- the method 400 moves one or more access points 103 between the network 111 and the neighboring network 109 such that one or more threshold requirements of the network 109 are met.
- the method 400 provides a highly flexible network system 100 that utilizes environmental and/or operational data to dynamically meet the needs of client devices 113 and consumers using available resources of under-utilized nearby networks.
- the method 400 was described above in relation to the cloud configuration server 107 .
- the cloud configuration server 107 may be replaced by one or more access points 101 and/or 103 in the wireless networks 109 and 111 .
- FIG. 5 shows a method 500 for dynamically grouping and configuring access points 101 and 103 between the wireless networks 109 and 111 based on detected environmental and/or operational parameters.
- the method 500 may be performed by one or more of the access points 101 and 103 in conjunction with other digital devices in the network system 100 .
- the method 500 may begin at operation 501 with the access points 101 being configured to provide network access to a first set of client devices 113 1 - 113 3 .
- the configuration may be performed automatically by the access points 101 themselves through the construction of a mesh enterprise network 109 .
- the network 109 may provide Internet access or other network services through a gateway.
- one or more of the access points 101 in the network 109 may publish environmental and/or operational characteristics, parameters, or values related to the access points 101 .
- the access points 101 may each publish (1) the number of client devices 113 each access point 101 is connected to or associated with, (2) the amount of traffic on each access point 101 , (3) the signal strength of the client devices 113 connected to or associated with each access point 101 , (4) radio frequency characteristics of the environment surrounding each access point 101 (e.g., radio frequency interference may be detected in the immediate area surrounding the access point 101 B as a result of a proximate microwave oven), and (5) a listing of neighboring access points 103 in another network 111 (e.g., the access point 103 B may be detected to be visible/in-range in relation to the access point 101 A ).
- the access points 103 in the network 111 may publish similar detected parameters at operation 503 as well.
- the publication of these detected parameters may be to a master access point in the network 109 .
- a master access point may be designated or elected in each network 109 and 111 .
- the access point 101 A may be designated as the master access point.
- the access point 103 B may be designated as the master access point.
- the method 500 determines that at least one additional access point, not currently in the network 109 , is needed to provide network access to the client devices 113 1 - 113 3 . In one embodiment, this determination may be made based on (1) determining at runtime of the network 109 that a current number of client devices 113 associated with the network 109 is above a particular threshold; (2) determining at runtime of the network 109 that a current traffic load at, at least one of the access points 101 in the network 109 is above a particular threshold, (3) determining that a received signal strength for one or more signals transmitted between one or more of the client devices 113 1 - 113 3 and one or more of the access points 101 in the network 109 is below a particular threshold, and/or (4) determining an access point 103 in the network 111 is better suited to provide network access to one or more of the client devices 113 1 - 113 3 than at least one access point 101 in the network 109 . In one embodiment, these standards and/or thresholds may be dictated
- the service level agreements for the network 109 are determined relative to a schedule with a designated time.
- a service level agreement for the network 109 may indicate that a particular amount of client devices 113 and/or a particular amount of traffic is needed at a designated time.
- the cloud configuration server 107 may determine whether the current set of access points 101 in the network 109 can meet this scheduled service level agreement at operation 505 or whether at least one additional access point, not currently in the network 109 , is needed to provide network access to the anticipated client devices 113 .
- this determination may be made by the master access point 101 A in the network 109 .
- the master access point 101 A may receive detected parameters from each access point in the network 109 and determine whether each service level agreement for the network 109 is met based on these detected parameters such that network access is provided to the client devices 113 1 - 113 3 in the network 109 .
- this determination at operation 505 may be made in conjunction with the master access point 103 B of the network 111 .
- operation 507 adds at least one access point to the network 109 as shown in FIG. 3 .
- Adding the additional access points to the network 109 allows the network 109 to meet each of its threshold requirements.
- the additional access points may increase the capacity of the network 109 or increase the signal strength to one or more of the client devices 113 1 - 113 3 .
- the master access point 101 A adds the additional access points to the network 109 based on a listing of stored access points. The listing may include identifying information of access points not currently in but available to join the network 109 .
- one or more of the access points 103 in the network 111 are added to the network 109 at operation 109 .
- the determination of which and how many access points 103 may be made by the master access point 101 A such that the network access for the client devices 113 1 - 113 3 is provided without restricting network access to the client devices 113 4 and 113 5 in the network 111 .
- operation 507 may transmit a request to join and configuration information corresponding to the network 109 to the one or more identified access points 103 in the network 111 .
- operation 507 may send a request and configuration information to the access point 103 A .
- the identified access point 103 A may break from the network 111 and beacon for the master access point 101 A in the network 109 .
- the identified access point 103 A may modify at least a portion of its own configuration using the received configuration information and thereafter join the network 109 .
- the identified access point 103 A will (1) advertise the same SSID, (2) be part of the same IP subnet, and/or (3) point to the same virtual local area network (VLAN) as the access points 101 A - 101 D .
- VLAN virtual local area network
- the identified access point 103 A may simultaneously be connected to both the networks 109 and 111 .
- the identified access point 103 A may join the network 109 while maintaining a connection with the network 111 .
- the identified access point 103 A simultaneously advertises SSIDs for both the networks 109 and 111 .
- the method 500 may determine that one or more access points 101 in the network 109 are not needed to provide network access to the client devices 113 1 - 113 3 .
- the previously identified access points 103 A may no longer be needed by the network 109 to provide network access to the client devices 113 1 - 113 3 . This may be caused in a drop in client devices 113 associated with the network 109 or other similar factors.
- operation 509 may determine that the access point 103 A is needed in the network 111 such that the network 111 can provide network access to the client devices 113 4 and 113 5 .
- operation 511 may trigger the access point 103 A to rejoin the network 111 .
- operation 511 triggers the identified access point 103 A in the wireless network 109 to rejoin the wireless network 111 by transmitting a request to the identified access point 103 A along with corresponding configuration information for the network 111 .
- the request and the configuration information are received from the master access point 101 A in the network 109 .
- the identified access point 103 A may break from the network 109 and beacon for the master access point 103 B in the network 111 .
- the identified access point 103 A may modify at least a portion of its own configuration using the received configuration information and thereafter rejoin the network 111 .
- the identified access point 103 A will (1) advertise the same SSID, (2) be part of the same IP subnet, and/or (3) point to the same virtual local area network (VLAN) as the access points 103 B and 103 C .
- VLAN virtual local area network
- the method 500 moves one or more access points 103 between the network 111 and the neighboring network 109 such that network access is provided to client devices 113 connected to the network 109 .
- the method 500 provides a highly flexible network system 100 that utilizes environmental and/or operational data to dynamically meet the needs of client devices 113 and consumers using available resources of under-utilized nearby networks.
- An embodiment of the invention may be an article of manufacture in which a machine-readable medium (such as microelectronic memory) has stored thereon instructions which program one or more data processing components (generically referred to here as a “processor”) to perform the operations described above.
- a machine-readable medium such as microelectronic memory
- data processing components program one or more data processing components (generically referred to here as a “processor”) to perform the operations described above.
- some of these operations might be performed by specific hardware components that contain hardwired logic (e.g., dedicated digital filter blocks and state machines). Those operations might alternatively be performed by any combination of programmed data processing components and fixed hardwired circuit components.
- the discussion focuses on uplink medium control with respect to frame aggregation, it is contemplated that control of other types of messages are applicable.
Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure relates to dynamically moving access points between an enterprise network of a first customer to an enterprise network of a second customer based on detected environmental and/or operational parameters of access points in each network.
- Over the last decade, there has been a substantial increase in the use and deployment of wireless client devices, from dual-mode smartphones to tablets capable of operating in accordance with a particular Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard. With “wireless” becoming the de-facto medium for connectivity among users, it has become increasingly important for network systems to intelligently manage connections.
- In some environments, multiple wireless networks may be deployed to handle clients and customers in various areas. Each of these wireless networks may include one or more access points that establish data connections with nearby client devices. In some situations, one network may become over-utilized or incapable of meeting standards or general needs of associated client devices. In this situation, a neighboring wireless network may be under-utilized such that this network is able to easily meet the standards and needs of associated client devices.
- The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.
- The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and they mean at least one. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram example of a network system in accordance with one or more embodiments; -
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram example of an access point in accordance with one or more embodiments; -
FIG. 3 shows a network system after an access point from a second network has joined a first network in accordance with one or more embodiments; and -
FIGS. 4 and 5 show methods for dynamically grouping and configuring access points between neighboring wireless networks in accordance with one or more embodiments. - In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. One or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Features described in one embodiment may be combined with features described in a different embodiment. In some examples, well-known structures and devices are described with reference to a block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.
- Herein, certain terminology is used to describe features for embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the term “digital device” generally refers to any hardware device that includes processing circuitry running at least one process adapted to control the flow of traffic into the device. Examples of digital devices include a computer, a tablet, a laptop, a desktop, a netbook, a server, a web server, authentication server, an authentication-authorization-accounting (AAA) server, a Domain Name System (DNS) server, a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, an Internet Protocol (IP) server, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) server, a network policy server, a mainframe, a television, a content receiver, a set-top box, a video gaming console, a television peripheral, a printer, a mobile handset, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant “PDA”, a wireless receiver and/or transmitter, an access point, a base station, a communication management device, a router, a switch, and/or a controller.
- It is contemplated that a digital device may include hardware logic such as one or more of the following: (i) processing circuitry; (ii) one or more communication interfaces such as a radio (e.g., component that handles the wireless data transmission/reception) and/or a physical connector to support wired connectivity; and/or (iii) a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a programmable circuit; a semiconductor memory such as a volatile memory and/or random access memory “RAM,” or non-volatile memory such as read-only memory, power-backed RAM, flash memory, phase-change memory or the like; a hard disk drive; an optical disc drive; etc.) or any connector for receiving a portable memory device such as a Universal Serial Bus “USB” flash drive, portable hard disk drive, or the like.
- Herein, the terms “logic” (or “logic unit”) are generally defined as hardware and/or software. For example, as hardware, logic may include a processor (e.g., a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a CPU core, a programmable gate array, an application specific integrated circuit, etc.), semiconductor memory, combinatorial logic, or the like. As software, logic may be one or more software modules, such as executable code in the form of an executable application, an application programming interface (API), a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method/implementation, an applet, a servlet, a routine, source code, object code, a shared library/dynamic load library, or one or more instructions. These software modules may be stored in any type of a suitable non-transitory storage medium, or transitory computer-readable transmission medium (e.g., electrical, optical, acoustical or other form of propagated signals such as carrier waves, infrared signals, or digital signals).
- Lastly, the terms “or” and “and/or” as used herein are to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” or “A, B and/or C” mean “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C.” An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.
-
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram example of anetwork system 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments. Thenetwork system 100, as illustrated inFIG. 1 , is a digital system that may include a plurality of digital devices such as one or more access points 101 that form thewireless network 109, one or more access points 103 that form thewireless network 111, and acloud configuration server 107 that communicates with the access points 102 and 103 through anexternal network 105. The client devices 113 may be connected or associated with thewireless networks network system 100 will be described below by way of example. In one or more embodiments, thenetwork system 100 may include more or less devices than the devices illustrated inFIG. 1 , which may be connected to other devices within thenetwork system 100 via wired and/or wireless mediums. For example, in other embodiments, thenetwork system 100 may include additional wireless networks separate from thewireless networks - The access points 101 and 103 may be any device that can associate with the client devices 113 to transmit and receive data over wireless channels. In one embodiment, the access points 101 and 103 may correspond to a network device such as a wireless access point, a switch, a router, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the access points 101 and 103 may form a mesh network structure. In these embodiments, the
wireless networks respective mesh networks wireless network wireless networks wireless networks wireless network wireless networks - As noted above, the access points 101 and 103 form
wireless networks wireless networks wireless networks networks wireless networks wireless network 109 and/or 111 to not exceed a predetermined count level and (2) traffic on each access point 101 and/or 103 in an associatedwireless network 109 and/or 111 to not exceed a predetermined traffic level. In some embodiments, as will be described in greater detail below, thecloud configuration server 107 or another digital device that maintains a connection between thewireless networks wireless network networks - In some embodiments, the access points 101 and 103 may be communicatively coupled to other networks in
network system 100. For example, the access points 101 and 103 may be coupled to theexternal network 105 such that communications may be established with thecloud configuration server 107. Theexternal network 105 may be any network capable of transferring data between the access points 101 and 103 and thecloud configuration server 107. For example, theexternal network 105 may include one or more wired or wireless routers, switches, and other digital networking devices that operate using one or more protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.3 and IEEE 802.11). - In one embodiment, the access points 101 and 103 may detect environmental and/or operational characteristics, parameters, or values related to the access points 101 and 103. For example, the access points 101 and 103 may each detect (1) the number of client devices 113 connected to each access point 101 and 103, (2) the traffic on each access point 101 and 103, (3) the signal strength of client devices 113 connected to each access point 101 and 103, (4) radio frequency characteristics of the environment surrounding each access point 101 and 103 (e.g., radio frequency interference may be detected in the immediate area surrounding the access point 101 B as a result of a proximate microwave oven), and (5) a listing of neighboring access points 101 and 103 in
another network 109 and 111 (e.g., the access point 103 A may be detected to be visible/in-range in relation to the access point 101 A as shown inFIG. 1 by the dashed line). - In one embodiment, the access points 101 and 103 may transmit detected environmental and/or operational parameters to the
cloud configuration server 107 over theexternal network 105. In one embodiment, an access point 101 and 103 may be designated as a master access point in eachwireless network wireless network 109, the access point 101 A may be designated as the master access point and maintains a connection with thecloud configuration server 107 through theexternal network 105. Similarly, in thewireless network 111, the access point 103 B may be designated as the master access point and maintains a connection with thecloud configuration server 107 through theexternal network 105. Master access points may collect detected parameters from each other access point 101 and 103 in an associatednetwork cloud configuration server 107 over theexternal network 105. - As described above, the access points 101 and 103 may be digital network devices.
FIG. 2 shows a component diagram of the access point 101 A according to one embodiment. In other embodiments, the access points 101 B-101 D and 103 A-103 C may include similar or identical components to those shown and described in relation to the access point 101 A. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , the access point 101 A may comprise one or more of: ahardware processor 201,data storage 203, an input/output (I/O)interface 205, and device configuration logic 207. Each of these components of the access point 101 A will be described in further detail below. - The
data storage 203 of the access point 101 A may include a fast read-write memory for storing programs and data during operations and a hierarchy of persistent memory, such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM,) and/or Flash memory for example, for storing instructions and data needed for the startup and/or operation of the access point 101 A. In one embodiment, thedata storage 203 is a distributed set of data storage components. Thedata storage 203 may store data that is to be transmitted from the access point 101 A or data that is received by the access point 101 A. For example, the access point 101 A may store data to be forwarded to a client device 113 or to one or more of the access points 101 B-101 D. In another embodiment, thedata storage 203 may store environmental and/or operational parameters detected by the access point 101 A and/or parameters collected from the other access points 101 B-101 D in thewireless network 109. These environmental and operational parameters may be stored within thedata storage 203 before being analyzed or being forwarded to thecloud configuration server 107. - In one embodiment, the I/
O interface 205 corresponds to one or more components used for communicating with other devices (e.g., the client devices 113 and/or other access points 101 B-101 D within the network 109) via wired or wireless signals. The I/O interface 205 may include a wired network interface such as an IEEE 802.3 Ethernet interface and/or a wireless interface such as an IEEE 802.11 WiFi interface. The I/O interface 205 may communicate with the client devices 113 and the access points 101 B-101 D over corresponding wireless channels in thesystem 100. In one embodiment, the I/O interface 205 facilitates communications between the access point 101 A and the access points 101 B-101 D such that the access points 101 A-101 D may form a mesh network structure as described above. In these embodiments, thewireless network 109 is a mesh network and the access points 101 A-101 D are mesh nodes within thismesh network 109. - In some embodiments, the I/
O interface 205 may include one ormore antennas 209 for communicating with the client devices 113, the access points 101 B-101 D, and/or other wireless devices in thenetwork system 100. For example,multiple antennas 209 may be used for forming transmission beams to one or more of the client devices 113 or the access points 101 B-101 D through adjustment of gain and phase values for correspondingantenna 209 transmissions. The generated beams may avoid objects and create an unobstructed path to the client devices 113 and/or the access points 101 B-101 D. - In one embodiment, the I/
O interface 205 in conjunction with theantennas 209 may detect wireless signals emitted by the access points 103 in thewireless network 111. In this embodiment, the access point 101 A may not associate or maintain a connection with any of the access points 103 A-103 C inwireless network 111, but the access point 101 A is able to detect the presence of proximate/neighboring access points 103, including signal strength characteristics. For example, inFIG. 1 the dashed line indicates that the access point 103 B is visible to and/or in-range of the access point 101 A although these access points 101 A and 103 B may not share a data connection. - In one embodiment, the
hardware processor 201 is coupled to thedata storage 203 and the I/O interface 205. Thehardware processor 201 may be any processing device including, but not limited to a MIPS/ARM-class processor, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a microcontroller, a state machine, or any type of programmable logic array. - In one embodiment, the device configuration logic 207 includes one or more functional units implemented using firmware, hardware, software, or a combination thereof for configuring parameters associated with the access point 101 A. In one embodiment, the device configuration logic 207 may be configured to allow the access point 101 A to join and change between
networks - In one embodiment, the access point 101 A is an instant access point (IAP). As an IAP, the access point 101 A does not rely on a centralized external controller for performing security and authentication operations for communications between the client devices 113, the other access points 101 B-101 D within the
wireless network 109, and/or thecloud configuration server 107. - As described above, the other access points 101 B-101 D and 103 A-103 C may be similarly configured as described above in relation to access point 101 A. For example, access points 101 B-101 D and 103 A-103 C may comprise
hardware processor 201,data storage 203, an input/output (I/O)interface 205, and device configuration logic 207 in a similar fashion as described above in relation to the access point 101 A. - In one embodiment, the client devices 113 may be any wireless or wired electronic devices capable of receiving and transmitting data over wired and wireless mediums. For example, the client devices 113 may be one or more of personal computers, laptop computers, netbook computers, wireless music players, portable telephone communication devices, smart phones, tablets, and digital televisions. In one embodiment, the client devices 113 are digital devices that include a hardware processor, memory hierarchy, and input/output (I/O) interfaces including a wired and/or wireless interface such as an IEEE 802.3 interface. In one embodiment, the configuration of the components within the client devices 113 may be similar to those discussed above in relation to the access point 101 A.
- In one embodiment, the
cloud configuration server 107 may be any wireless or wired electronic devices capable of receiving and transmitting data over wired and wireless mediums. For example, thecloud configuration server 107 may be a personal computer, a laptop computer, a netbook computer, or any other computing device. In one embodiment, thecloud configuration server 107 is a digital device that includes a hardware processor, memory hierarchy, and input/output (I/O) interfaces including a wired and/or wireless interface such as an IEEE 802.3 interface. In one embodiment, the configuration of the components within thecloud configuration server 107 may be similar to those discussed above in relation to the access point 101 A. - In one embodiment, the
cloud configuration server 107 may receive and store environmental and operational parameters received from one or more of the access points 101 A-101 D and 103 A-103 C along with standards and threshold requirements for eachwireless network cloud configuration server 107. In some embodiments, thecloud configuration server 107 may also store network configuration information for eachnetwork corresponding wireless network -
FIG. 4 shows amethod 400 for dynamically grouping and configuring access points 101 and 103 between thewireless networks method 400 may be performed by one or more devices innetwork system 100. For example, themethod 400 may be performed by thecloud configuration server 107 in conjunction with one or more of the access points 101 and 103. - The
method 400 may begin atoperation 401 with one or more access points 101 and 103 detecting environmental and/or operational characteristics, parameters, or values related to the access points 101 and 103. For example, the access points 101 and 103 may each detect (1) the number of client devices 113 each access point 101 and 103 is connected to or associated with, (2) the amount of traffic on each access point 101 and 103, (3) the signal strength of the client devices 113 connected to or associated with each access point 101 and 103, (4) radio frequency characteristics of the environment surrounding each access point 101 and 103 (e.g., radio frequency interference may be detected in the immediate area surrounding the access point 101 B as a result of a proximate microwave oven), and (5) a listing of neighboring access points 101 and 103 in anothernetwork 109 and 111 (e.g., the access point 103 3 may be detected to be visible/in-range in relation to the access point 101 A). For example, atoperation 401 the access point 101 A may determine that two client devices 113 are connected to it, the traffic on the access point 101 A is 20 Mbps, the signal strength of each client device 113 connected to the access point 101 A is 10 dBm and 20 dBm, respectively, there is high distortion in the 2.4 Ghz band surrounding the access point 101 A, and the access point 103 A is proximate to the access point 101 A. Each access point 101 and 103 may detect similar parameters atoperation 401 based on their own environmental and/or operational characteristics. - After detecting environmental and/or operational parameters associated with each access point 101 and 103,
operation 403 transmits these detected parameters to thecloud configuration server 107. The transmission may be performed overexternal network 105 using any known set of transmission protocols or standards (e.g., IEEE 802.3 and IEEE 802.11). In one embodiment, a master access point may be designated or elected in eachnetwork wireless network 109, the access point 101 A may be designated as the master access point and maintains a connection with thecloud configuration server 107 through theexternal network 105. Similarly, in thewireless network 111, the access point 103 B may be designated as the master access point and maintains a connection with thecloud configuration server 107 through theexternal network 105. In this embodiment, each access point 101 B-101 D, 103 A, and 103 C transmits parameters detected atoperation 401 to the master access points 101 A and 103 B, respectively. These master access points 101 A and 103 B may transmit the collected parameters from each of the access points 101 and 103 in theirrespective networks cloud configuration server 107 atoperation 403. - At
operation 405, the environmental and/or operational parameters are received by thecloud configuration server 107. Thecloud configuration server 107 may thereafter process the received parameters as will be described in further detail below. Although described in relation to a separate digital device receiving and analyzing the detected parameters (e.g., the cloud configuration server 107), in other embodiments an access point 101 within thenetwork 109 may analyze the parameters and trigger an access point 103 in thenetwork 111 to join thenetwork 109 without assistance from a device external to thenetworks FIG. 5 . - At
operation 407, the received parameters are analyzed to determine whether one or more standard and/or threshold requirements for thewireless networks networks wireless network 109 may be that each access point 101 not exceed a traffic limit of 15 Mbps. In the example above in relation tooperation 401, 20 Mbps traffic was detected on the access point 101 A. Accordingly, in this example the threshold requirement for traffic not exceeding 15 Mbps on each access point 101 inwireless network 109 has been violated andoperation 407 would detect a failure to meet the threshold requirement. - In one embodiment, the threshold requirements for the
network 109 are determined relative to a schedule with a designated time. For example, a threshold requirement for thenetwork 109 may indicate that a particular amount of client devices 113 and/or a particular amount of traffic is needed at a designated time. Accordingly, thecloud configuration server 107 may determine whether the current set of access points 101 in thenetwork 109 can meet this scheduled threshold requirement atoperation 407. - Following a determination that a threshold requirement for the
wireless network 109 has not been met,operation 409 attempts to identify an access point 103 in thewireless network 111 that may be moved over towireless network 109 such that the violated threshold requirement of thenetwork 109 is now met. The identified access point 103 must have the capacity and positioning to handle the needs of thewireless network 109 such that any violated threshold requirements are now met. For example, an identified access point 103 must be proximate to thewireless network 109 and/or one or more overloaded access points 101 such that the identified access point 103 may effectively associate with client devices 113 in the area of thewireless network 109. Although thenetworks networks network 111 to provide service to client devices 113 in the area of thenetwork 109. The positioning of the access points 103 relative to the access points 101 may be determined based on detected parameters received from the access points 101 and 103 atoperation 401. For example, a listing of neighboring access points 103 in thenetwork 111 may be detected by each access point 101 atoperation 401. - In one embodiment,
operation 409 is performed such thatwireless network 111 does not fail to meet any of its own threshold requirements. For example, removing the access point 103 A fromnetwork 111 and moving it to thenetwork 109 may allow thenetwork 109 meet each of its threshold requirements; however, this adjustment may result in thenetwork 111 failing one or more of its own threshold requirements. Accordingly,operation 409 must identify and access point 103 for movement to thenetwork 109 that will not cause thenetwork 111 to fail to meet its own threshold requirements. - Although described in relation to identifying a single access point 103 in the
network 111, in some embodiments multiple access points 103 may be identified to move to thenetwork 109. The multiple identified access points 103 may collectively allow thenetwork 109 to meet each of its threshold requirements. - In one example,
operation 409 may identify the access point 103 A to join thenetwork 109. In this example, thecloud configuration server 107 may determine based on environmental and/or operational parameters received atoperation 405, that the access point 103 A is properly positioned to alleviate congestion or other issues with thenetwork 109 such that thenetwork 109 may meet each of its threshold requirements without causing thenetwork 111 to violate any of its own threshold requirements. The access point 103 A will be used hereinafter as the identified access point that will move from thenetwork 109 to thenetwork 111. However, in other embodiments another access point 103 may be selected to move from thenetwork 109 to thenetwork 111. - At
operation 411, thecloud configuration server 107 triggers the identified access point 103 A to join thenetwork 109 as shown inFIG. 3 . In one embodiment, thecloud configuration server 107 may store configuration data for both thewireless network 109 and thewireless network 111. The configuration data allows access points 101 and 103 to join eachnetwork cloud configuration server 107 triggers the identified access point 103 A in thewireless network 111 to join thewireless network 109 by transmitting a request to the identified access point 103 A along with corresponding configuration information for thenetwork 109. In one embodiment, the request and the configuration information are routed through master access point 103 B in thenetwork 111. Upon receipt of the configuration information, the identified access point 103 A may break from thenetwork 111 and beacon for the master access point 101 A in thenetwork 109. The identified access point 103 A may modify at least a portion of its own configuration using the received configuration information and thereafter join thenetwork 109. By joining thenetwork 109, the identified access point 103 A will (1) advertise the same SSID, (2) be part of the same IP subnet, and/or (3) point to the same virtual local area network (VLAN) as the access points 101 A-101 D. - In one embodiment, the identified access point 103 A may simultaneously be connected to both the
networks operation 411 the identified access point 103 A may join thenetwork 109 while maintaining a connection with thenetwork 111. In this example, the identified access point 103 A simultaneously advertises SSIDs for both thenetworks - In one embodiment, the identified access point 103 A may remain in the
network 109 until thecloud configuration server 107 determines that the identified access point 103 A is no longer needed to meet each of thenetwork 109's threshold requirements atoperation 413. For example, the access points 101 A-101 D and 103 A may be innetwork 109. In this scenario, the access point 103 A was identified atoperation 409 and triggered to move from thenetwork 111 to thenetwork 109 atoperation 411 such that thenetwork 109 may meet each of its threshold requirements. However, after monitoring environmental and/or operational parameters periodically received from each access point 101 A-101 B and 103 A, thecloud configuration server 107 may determine atoperation 413 that the identified access point 103 A is no longer needed in thenetwork 109 for thenetwork 109 to meet each of its threshold requirements. This may be caused in a drop in client devices 113 associated with thenetwork 109 or other similar factors. Alternatively, in one embodiment, thecloud configuration server 107 may determine atoperation 413 that the access point 103 A is needed in thenetwork 111 such that thenetwork 111 can meet its own threshold requirements. - Based on the determined need for the access point 103 A in the
network 111 and/or the lack of need for the access point 103 A in thenetwork 109, the cloud configuration server may trigger the access point 103 A to rejoin thenetwork 111 atoperation 415. As described above, thecloud configuration server 107 may store configuration data for both thewireless network 109 and thewireless network 111. In one embodiment, thecloud configuration server 107 triggers the identified access point 103 A in thewireless network 109 to rejoin thewireless network 111 by transmitting a request to the identified access point 103 A along with corresponding configuration information for thenetwork 111. In one embodiment, the request and the configuration information are routed through master access point 101 A in thenetwork 109. Upon receipt of the configuration information, the identified access point 103 A may break from thenetwork 109 and beacon for the master access point 103 B in thenetwork 111. The identified access point 103 A may modify at least a portion of its own configuration using the received configuration information and thereafter rejoin thenetwork 111. By joining thenetwork 111, the identified access point 103 A will (1) advertise the same SSID, (2) be part of the same IP subnet, and/or (3) point to the same virtual local area network (VLAN) as the access points 103 B and 103 C. - As described above, the
method 400 moves one or more access points 103 between thenetwork 111 and the neighboringnetwork 109 such that one or more threshold requirements of thenetwork 109 are met. By reconfiguring the access points 101 and 103 to move between thenetworks method 400 provides a highlyflexible network system 100 that utilizes environmental and/or operational data to dynamically meet the needs of client devices 113 and consumers using available resources of under-utilized nearby networks. - The
method 400 was described above in relation to thecloud configuration server 107. In some embodiments, thecloud configuration server 107 may be replaced by one or more access points 101 and/or 103 in thewireless networks FIG. 5 shows amethod 500 for dynamically grouping and configuring access points 101 and 103 between thewireless networks method 500 may be performed by one or more of the access points 101 and 103 in conjunction with other digital devices in thenetwork system 100. - The
method 500 may begin atoperation 501 with the access points 101 being configured to provide network access to a first set of client devices 113 1-113 3. The configuration may be performed automatically by the access points 101 themselves through the construction of amesh enterprise network 109. Thenetwork 109 may provide Internet access or other network services through a gateway. - At
operation 503, one or more of the access points 101 in thenetwork 109 may publish environmental and/or operational characteristics, parameters, or values related to the access points 101. For example, the access points 101 may each publish (1) the number of client devices 113 each access point 101 is connected to or associated with, (2) the amount of traffic on each access point 101, (3) the signal strength of the client devices 113 connected to or associated with each access point 101, (4) radio frequency characteristics of the environment surrounding each access point 101 (e.g., radio frequency interference may be detected in the immediate area surrounding the access point 101 B as a result of a proximate microwave oven), and (5) a listing of neighboring access points 103 in another network 111 (e.g., the access point 103 B may be detected to be visible/in-range in relation to the access point 101 A). The access points 103 in thenetwork 111 may publish similar detected parameters atoperation 503 as well. - In one embodiment, the publication of these detected parameters may be to a master access point in the
network 109. In this embodiment, a master access point may be designated or elected in eachnetwork wireless network 109, the access point 101 A may be designated as the master access point. Similarly, in thewireless network 111, the access point 103 B may be designated as the master access point. - At
operation 505, themethod 500 determines that at least one additional access point, not currently in thenetwork 109, is needed to provide network access to the client devices 113 1-113 3. In one embodiment, this determination may be made based on (1) determining at runtime of thenetwork 109 that a current number of client devices 113 associated with thenetwork 109 is above a particular threshold; (2) determining at runtime of thenetwork 109 that a current traffic load at, at least one of the access points 101 in thenetwork 109 is above a particular threshold, (3) determining that a received signal strength for one or more signals transmitted between one or more of the client devices 113 1-113 3 and one or more of the access points 101 in thenetwork 109 is below a particular threshold, and/or (4) determining an access point 103 in thenetwork 111 is better suited to provide network access to one or more of the client devices 113 1-113 3 than at least one access point 101 in thenetwork 109. In one embodiment, these standards and/or thresholds may be dictated by service level agreements. - In one embodiment, the service level agreements for the
network 109 are determined relative to a schedule with a designated time. For example, a service level agreement for thenetwork 109 may indicate that a particular amount of client devices 113 and/or a particular amount of traffic is needed at a designated time. Accordingly, thecloud configuration server 107 may determine whether the current set of access points 101 in thenetwork 109 can meet this scheduled service level agreement atoperation 505 or whether at least one additional access point, not currently in thenetwork 109, is needed to provide network access to the anticipated client devices 113. - In one embodiment, this determination may be made by the master access point 101 A in the
network 109. For example, the master access point 101 A may receive detected parameters from each access point in thenetwork 109 and determine whether each service level agreement for thenetwork 109 is met based on these detected parameters such that network access is provided to the client devices 113 1-113 3 in thenetwork 109. In one embodiment, this determination atoperation 505 may be made in conjunction with the master access point 103 B of thenetwork 111. - Following the determination that at least one additional access point, not currently in the
network 109, is needed to provide network access to the client devices 113 1-113 3, operation 507 adds at least one access point to thenetwork 109 as shown inFIG. 3 . Adding the additional access points to thenetwork 109 allows thenetwork 109 to meet each of its threshold requirements. For example, the additional access points may increase the capacity of thenetwork 109 or increase the signal strength to one or more of the client devices 113 1-113 3. In one embodiment, the master access point 101 A adds the additional access points to thenetwork 109 based on a listing of stored access points. The listing may include identifying information of access points not currently in but available to join thenetwork 109. In one embodiment, one or more of the access points 103 in thenetwork 111 are added to thenetwork 109 atoperation 109. The determination of which and how many access points 103 may be made by the master access point 101 A such that the network access for the client devices 113 1-113 3 is provided without restricting network access to the client devices 113 4 and 113 5 in thenetwork 111. - In one embodiment, operation 507 may transmit a request to join and configuration information corresponding to the
network 109 to the one or more identified access points 103 in thenetwork 111. For example, operation 507 may send a request and configuration information to the access point 103 A. Upon receipt of the configuration information, the identified access point 103 A may break from thenetwork 111 and beacon for the master access point 101 A in thenetwork 109. The identified access point 103 A may modify at least a portion of its own configuration using the received configuration information and thereafter join thenetwork 109. By joining thenetwork 109, the identified access point 103 A will (1) advertise the same SSID, (2) be part of the same IP subnet, and/or (3) point to the same virtual local area network (VLAN) as the access points 101 A-101 D. - In one embodiment, the identified access point 103 A may simultaneously be connected to both the
networks network 109 while maintaining a connection with thenetwork 111. In this example, the identified access point 103 A simultaneously advertises SSIDs for both thenetworks - At
operation 509, themethod 500 may determine that one or more access points 101 in thenetwork 109 are not needed to provide network access to the client devices 113 1-113 3. For example, the previously identified access points 103 A may no longer be needed by thenetwork 109 to provide network access to the client devices 113 1-113 3. This may be caused in a drop in client devices 113 associated with thenetwork 109 or other similar factors. Alternatively, in one embodiment,operation 509 may determine that the access point 103 A is needed in thenetwork 111 such that thenetwork 111 can provide network access to the client devices 113 4 and 113 5. - Based on the determined need for the access point 103 A in the
network 111 and/or the lack of need for the access point 103 A in thenetwork 109,operation 511 may trigger the access point 103 A to rejoin thenetwork 111. In one embodiment,operation 511 triggers the identified access point 103 A in thewireless network 109 to rejoin thewireless network 111 by transmitting a request to the identified access point 103 A along with corresponding configuration information for thenetwork 111. In one embodiment, the request and the configuration information are received from the master access point 101 A in thenetwork 109. Upon receipt of the configuration information, the identified access point 103 A may break from thenetwork 109 and beacon for the master access point 103 B in thenetwork 111. The identified access point 103 A may modify at least a portion of its own configuration using the received configuration information and thereafter rejoin thenetwork 111. By joining thenetwork 111, the identified access point 103 A will (1) advertise the same SSID, (2) be part of the same IP subnet, and/or (3) point to the same virtual local area network (VLAN) as the access points 103 B and 103 C. - As described above, the
method 500 moves one or more access points 103 between thenetwork 111 and the neighboringnetwork 109 such that network access is provided to client devices 113 connected to thenetwork 109. By reconfiguring the access points 101 and 103 to move between thenetworks method 500 provides a highlyflexible network system 100 that utilizes environmental and/or operational data to dynamically meet the needs of client devices 113 and consumers using available resources of under-utilized nearby networks. - An embodiment of the invention may be an article of manufacture in which a machine-readable medium (such as microelectronic memory) has stored thereon instructions which program one or more data processing components (generically referred to here as a “processor”) to perform the operations described above. In other embodiments, some of these operations might be performed by specific hardware components that contain hardwired logic (e.g., dedicated digital filter blocks and state machines). Those operations might alternatively be performed by any combination of programmed data processing components and fixed hardwired circuit components. Also, although the discussion focuses on uplink medium control with respect to frame aggregation, it is contemplated that control of other types of messages are applicable.
- Any combination of the above features and functionalities may used in accordance with one or more embodiments. In the foregoing specification, embodiments have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the invention, and what is intended by the applicants to be the scope of the invention, is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction.
Claims (30)
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